STAR Method for Behavioral Interviews

The STAR Method is a proven strategy for answering behavioral interview questions in a clear, structured way. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Use this approach to highlight your skills and achievements with compelling, specific stories.

How the STAR Method Works

Where would you - 2

Situation:
Describe the context. What was the specific event or challenge you faced? Be detailed so the interviewer understands the scenario, whether it’s from work, volunteering, or another relevant experience.

Task:
Explain your goal. What were you trying to achieve in this situation?

Action:
Share what you did. Focus on your individual contributions—use “I” instead of “we.” Outline the steps you took and decisions you made.

Result:
Showcase the outcome. What happened as a result of your actions? Highlight what you accomplished, learned, or how you grew—even if the overall result wasn’t positive, focus on your strengths and resilience.

Situation: Advertising revenue was falling for my college newspaper, and many long-term advertisers were not renewing contracts.

Task: I aimed to boost advertiser numbers by at least 15% compared to the previous year.

Action: I created a new promotional packet, compared our circulation benefits to other media, and organized a training session on competitive selling for our account executives.

Result: We re-engaged 15 former advertisers and secured five new contracts for special supplements, increasing new advertisers by 20% over the previous year.

  • Recall recent experiences that showcase your skills: leadership, teamwork, initiative, planning, customer service, etc.
  • Prepare concise stories for each situation—be ready to elaborate if asked.
  • Structure your stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
  • Highlight positive outcomes and personal growth, even if the result wasn’t ideal.
  • Be honest and specific—don’t exaggerate or generalize.
  • Use varied examples from different areas of your life.
  • Describe a situation where you persuaded someone to see things your way.
  • Share a time you handled a stressful situation.
  • Give an example of using good judgment to solve a problem.
  • Tell me about a goal you set and achieved.
  • Describe how you used presentation skills to influence someone.
  • Give an example of following a policy you disagreed with.
  • Discuss an important document you completed.
  • Share a time you went above and beyond to get a job done.
  • Tell me about a time you prioritized tasks effectively.
  • Give an example of making a split-second decision.
  • Describe your approach to conflict, with an example.
  • Share a time you worked successfully with someone who didn’t like you.
  • Tell me about a difficult decision you made recently.
  • Give an example of a failed attempt and what you learned.
  • Share when you showed initiative and led a project.
  • Describe dealing with an upset customer or coworker.
  • Give an example of motivating others.
  • Share a time you delegated a project effectively.
  • Describe using fact-finding skills to solve a problem.
  • Tell me about missing an obvious solution.
  • Share a time you anticipated problems and took preventive measures.
  • Describe making an unpopular decision.
  • Tell me about firing a friend.
  • Share when you set your sights too high or too low.

Final Tips

  • Be specific—avoid vague or generalized stories.
  • Stay positive—choose examples that show you in the best light, but don’t shy away from discussing challenges.
  • Practice—the more you rehearse your STAR stories, the more confident and compelling you’ll be in your interview.

Use the STAR Method to showcase your strengths and leave a lasting impression!